Those looking for melodically colorful transcendental rock with a strong orchestral twist may find something very special and unique in Molignak, the first solo album by Jérôme Langlois, once keyboardist and reed player in the initial 1975 lineup of Canadian band Maneige. The music here touches elements of pop, folk, classical, avant-garde, rock, world ethnic, and even hints of jazz, but it truly eschews classification with any of these. Most importantly, the compositions and playing are full of vibrancy and convey a wide range of emotions, varying in degree and intensity from track to track. Predictably, Langlois handles clarinet and piano duties, plus electric guitar; he is joined by other musicians on clarinet, bass clarinet, violin, electric and acoustic bass, and a variety of percussion. The latter is provided by Gilles Schetagne (also ex-Maneige), whose orchestral playing – along with bassist Mario Légaré breathes imagination and spirit into the bottom end of the sound, and supports the overall effort brilliantly. There are no vocals here to get in the way of the music, which stands well on its own, driven by the strong up-front melodic presence of the reeds, gorgeous piano flourishes and emotive violin. This is music that goes way beyond any comparisons, truly in a class by itself.

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Seattle's Seaprog festival has been going since 2013, and the 2018 edition features a slate of artists that's sure to bring more attention to the event. Cheer-Accident, Bubblemath, and Free Salamander Exhibit are in the first round announcement of performers. In keeping with their tradition of focusing on regional artists, they will also present a number of artists from Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia. [Edit: Just added: Inner Ear Brigade] »
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2018-02-26Adelbert von Deyen RIP –
Word reaches us that German electronic musician Adelbert von Deyen has died. His recorded legacy reaches back to 1978, when Sky Records released Sternzeit. Von Deyen, who was born October 25, 1953 in Süderbrarup, was also known as a painter and graphic artist. »
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2018-02-18Didier Lockwood RIP –
Word reaches us today of the death of one of France's great jazz musicians, violinist Didier Lockwood. His playing bridged many worlds, from traditional jazz to fusion to progressive rock, and his talent can be heard on recordings by Magma, Clearlight, Pierre Moerlen's Gong, and many more. Lockwood was 62. »
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Previously in Exposé...

Aera - Humanum Est / Hand und Fuß –
Who knows why it was that German bands in the 70s so often brought in influences from around the world, but it certainly seems to have been a trend. British and American bands may have dabbled with...
(2005) »
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